Democracy progressing, media working effectively – NAWOJ – Blueprint Newspapers Limited
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has described democratic governance in the country as progressive, especially in the area of information dissemination.
The Association also urged journalists to be objective in their reportage and pay more attention to development journalism aimed at enhancing development as well as delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
The Vice President, NAWOJ, Zone D, Mrs Chizoba Ogeche, stated this while featuring on Perspective, Kapital FM current affairs programme in Abuja.
Speaking on the topic ‘ The Media and Dividends Of Democracy In Nigeria’ the Association’s vice president stressed the need for journalists to hold government accountable, noting that democracy was still the best form of government notwithstanding the problems Nigeria was experiencing.
According to Ogbeche, “Democracy, for me, is still the best form of government. You cannot compare democracy with what happened during the military era. The way we run democracy in Nigeria is the problem. We need attitudinal change on the part of both citizens and the leaders at all levels to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
She added, “Also, I must state the best dividend of democracy is good governance because if we have good governance, every other thing will work out. In democracy you can speak out without fear, unlike what we experienced during the military dispensation in the country.”
Speaking further, Ogbeche, who rated the Nigeria media high on the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, noted that both the citizens and the leaders, at all levels, have different roles to play in promoting democratic governance.
“Yes, there are some constraints that can stop some media organisation and lead to self-censorship but with the opening of media space with the advance of the new media we are in a better place in terms of disseminating information without hindrances and hopefully it will lead to better governance in the country.”
The NAWOJ leader, however, called on the federal government to be more proactive in addressing the current economic hardship in the country and rebuild the confidence of the people I democratic governance.
While highlighting some dividends of democracy, Mrs. Ogbeche noted that there was need for attitudinal change on the part of legislature towards especially as regards reducing cost of governance as well as synergy among the three arms of government to enhance dividends of democracy to the citizens.
